Multi-Generational Living

We have two generations living here. It seems to be the latest thing, with the economy turn-down and loss of jobs. This was not our intention and it has its ups and downs. But more ups than downs.

Truly. There are things to learn, and more character refining, here in the telestial kingdom.

This is the largest home we have lived in (3500 sq feet.) Too bad we moved in and then got the ax at work. Too bad we are self-employed with no unemployment to hold us over. Too bad we are running out of our savings. Too bad the college grads have not been able to land those promised jobs.

Or is all this good? We are all healthy. Everyone works hard to get the job and the projects rolling. Hubby is in Mexico working on our next hopeful waste-to-energy project. Of course I did freak out, isn’t it dangerous down there?

We have two married sons living here. One landed a big job as bag-boy at the upscale health food grocery–with his bachelors degree in history. He has moved up and actually does book-keeping there–at 4 am. But good, good. His dear wife almost started nursing school–got accepted and all, but had not completed a couple of pre-reqs, like communications and pysch. They have a cat, in their room, that my dog would like to chase and has–right through the screen window.

Other son, had many interviews. He works with Hubby dear and has some writing work for a friend’s company. His wife–she is a freelance MAC makeup artist–wouldn’t work on Sundays, and now never gets called in to work. But she does some blogging for pay, and wedding planner asst. stuff. We welcome Spring. They have a dog too–German Shepherd, 1 year old, gone through three heats since she has been here. That’s always fun.

We have one 15 year old son here too. Home-schooled. More at home time. And we have one dog–German Shepherd, 5 yrs old, spayed, thank goodness.

Do we step on each other’s tails some days? Of course. Even the dogs and cat do that much.

I got the old family videos out one Sunday and watched, with humor and amazement, my five little kids we raised in our 1200 sq foot, rented home. The boys saw the sibling rivalry and recognized that they do pester each other on occasion. Yes, we saw 5 yr-old Brig egg-on 3 yr-old Hyrum, after which Hyrum grabbed a big stick and chased him up and down the street. No I did not tape this, but I am thankful, that my 8 yr-old daughter was playing movie producer. I will not ever say to my married kids–“your house is a mess.” Hey, I looked great, my skin was smooth and young and I am amazed how calm I looked. There was a baby on the floor in a pile of flour, spilled by who knows.

I am sure I annoy my daughters-in-law, on some days. I am sure I annoy my grown-up adult kids, some days. I even annoy myself some days.But there is much to learn. Much to be thankful for. If we are to live the law of consecration in a society of Enoch, than surely we have to pass this test. There are days when my husband and I enjoy the love, laughter, camaraderie and help of the multi-generational living. So many days, dinner is made and not by me. Chocolate chip cookies or frosted cupcakes line the counter.

I have made a quick list of things to remember:


   1. stay calm

And this is not the end of this tale. My daughter, husband and two kids are living with his mom–multi-generational home as well.